Theo Nash
When alcohol and sodium react, hydrogen gas is produced. This reaction can be used as a test to detect the presence of ethanol in a mixture of organic compounds. The reaction between alcohol and sodium forms a salt, sodium alkoxide, and hydrogen gas. This reaction is similar to the reaction between water and sodium, but slower, due to the structural similarities between water molecules and the alkyl (O—H) group in alcohols.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gas produced | Hydrogen |
| Chemical equation | \(2CH3CH2OH + 2Na \to 2CH3CH2ONa + H2\) |
| Sodium sinks | Yes |
| Colour of solution | Colourless |
| Nature of solution | Cloudy with precipitation of sodium ethoxide |
| Nature of sodium ethoxide | Alkoxide, white solid |
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What You'll Learn
The reaction produces hydrogen gas
The reaction of sodium with an alcohol produces hydrogen gas. This reaction is used as a confirmatory test to detect the presence of ethanol in a mixture of organic compounds. The evolution of hydrogen gas is a result of the breakage of the O-H bond in the alcohol, with the ease of breakage indicating the acidity of the alcohol.
The reaction between sodium and ethanol can be represented by the equation:
\\[2CH3CH2OH + 2Na → 2CH3CH2ONa + H2\]
In this equation, the product formed is sodium ethoxide, also known as sodium alkoxide. The sodium ethoxide is left behind as a white solid when the solution is carefully evaporated to dryness.
The reaction is similar to the reaction between water and sodium, although it occurs at a much slower rate. This is due to the structural similarities between water molecules and the alkyl (O—H) group in alcohols. The low density of the alcohol causes the sodium to sink, and the reaction proceeds steadily, producing hydrogen gas and a colourless solution of sodium ethoxide.
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![I. On the Reaction of Both the Ions and Molecules of Acids, Bases and Salts. On the Reaction of Sodium Ethylate and Methyl Iodide in Absolute Ethyl Alcohol at 00. by William A. 1916 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The reaction is a test for ethanol
The reaction between ethanol and sodium is used as a confirmatory test to detect the presence of ethanol in a mixture of organic compounds. This reaction can be dangerous, so it is not the best test for an alcohol at this level. To test for ethanol in this way, a small piece of sodium is dropped into a neutral liquid that is free of water. If bubbles of hydrogen gas are produced, then the liquid is an alcohol. This reaction can be represented by the following equation:
$2CH_3CH_2OH + 2Na \rightarrow 2CH_3CH_2ONa + H_2$
In this equation, $CH_3CH_2OH$ represents ethanol, $CH_3CH_2ONa$ represents sodium ethoxide, and $H_2$ represents hydrogen gas.
Another test to distinguish between ethanol and methanol is the iodoform reaction. This test involves treating the unknown substance with iodine and sodium hydroxide solutions. Ethanol and methanol are both important alcohols that can be chemically distinguished using this reaction.
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Sodium sinks due to low alcohol density
When a small piece of sodium is dropped into ethanol, a reaction occurs that releases bubbles of hydrogen gas. This gas causes the sodium to float before it eventually sinks due to the low density of the alcohol. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
\2CH3CH2OH + 2Na -> 2CH_3CH_2ONa + H2\>
In this equation, the sodium reacts with ethanol, an alcohol, to form sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is released as bubbles, which is why the sodium appears to float before sinking.
The reaction between sodium and ethanol is a typical example of the reaction between sodium and alcohols. This reaction can be used as a test to detect the presence of ethanol in a mixture of organic compounds. However, due to the violent reaction of sodium with acids, it is not a recommended test for beginners. To perform this test safely, one must ensure that the liquid being tested is neutral and free of water.
The resulting solution from the reaction between sodium and ethanol is initially colorless, but it quickly becomes cloudy as the sodium ethoxide precipitates out of the solution. If the solution is carefully evaporated, a white solid of sodium ethoxide is left behind.
In summary, sodium sinks in alcohol due to the low density of the alcohol. The evolution of hydrogen gas during the reaction between sodium and alcohol causes the sodium to float momentarily before sinking. This reaction is a useful test for the presence of ethanol, but it must be performed with caution due to the reactivity of sodium.
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The solution is colourless
When a small piece of sodium is dropped into ethanol, a reaction occurs that produces bubbles of hydrogen gas and leaves a colourless solution of sodium ethoxide. This reaction can be used to test for the presence of ethanol in a mixture of organic compounds. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
\\[2CH3CH2OH + 2Na → 2CH3CH2ONa + H2\]
The colourless solution is only temporary, as the ionic sodium ethoxide is only sparingly soluble in liquid ethanol. The solution quickly becomes cloudy as the sodium ethoxide precipitates out. If the solution is carefully evaporated, the sodium ethoxide can be recovered as a white solid.
The reaction between sodium and ethanol is typical of the reaction between sodium and other alcohols. This reaction is similar to the reaction between water and sodium, although it occurs more slowly. This is due to the similarities in the structure of the water molecule and the alkyl (O—H) group in alcohols. During the reaction, the sodium sinks due to the low density of the alcohols, and the evolution of hydrogen gas occurs steadily.
The solution being colourless is indicative of the presence of sodium ethoxide, which forms when ethanol reacts with sodium. This reaction is not typically used as a test for alcohols due to the dangers involved in handling sodium. However, it can be performed safely by ensuring the liquid being tested is neutral and free of water.
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Sodium ethoxide is left as a white solid
When a small piece of sodium is dropped into ethanol, it reacts to produce bubbles of hydrogen gas and leaves a colourless solution of sodium ethoxide. This reaction can be used as a confirmatory test to detect the presence of ethanol in a mixture of organic compounds. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
$$2C_{2}H_{5}OH + 2Na \rightarrow 2C_{2}H_{5}ONa + H_{2}$$
Sodium ethoxide, often represented as sodium ethanolate, is a versatile compound with a variety of applications in organic chemistry and industry. It is commonly used as a strong base in organic synthesis and plays a crucial role in reactions such as saponification, deprotonation, and the formation of enolates. It is also important in the dehydrogenation of ethanol to produce acetaldehyde.
Sodium ethoxide is typically found as a solid at room temperature and has a white to light yellowish colour. It has a tendency to absorb moisture from the air due to its hygroscopic nature, which can make it challenging to handle without proper storage conditions. It is highly soluble in polar solvents such as water and alcohols due to its ionic nature.
If a solution containing sodium ethoxide is carefully evaporated to dryness, the sodium ethoxide is left behind as a white solid. This process involves removing the liquid ethanol from the solution, leaving behind the solid sodium ethoxide. This solid can be contaminated with sodium hydroxide due to the rapid hydrolysis of sodium ethoxide.
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Frequently asked questions
Hydrogen gas is produced when alcohol reacts with sodium.
The chemical equation for the reaction between alcohol and sodium is:
2CH3CH2OH + 2Na → 2CH3CH2ONa + H2
The solution formed is colourless.
